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Cumulative Allostatic Load

Meaning

Cumulative allostatic load represents the total physiological “wear and tear” on the body’s regulatory systems, particularly the neuroendocrine and immune systems, resulting from chronic or repeated exposure to psychological or physical stressors. It is a quantifiable metric of the biological cost of adaptation, reflecting the sustained effort required to maintain allostasis, or stability through change. High cumulative load is clinically associated with an increased risk for chronic disease and accelerated biological aging.